LPG Safety Tips and Precautions for your Home

Almost every kitchen in India will be using an LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) connection as its main source of fuel. This popular energy source is present either in the form of an LPG cylinder or a pipe connection directly to the stove top.

LPG is a mixture of flammable hydrocarbons consisting predominantly of Propane and Butane. It also contains other gases such as Methane, Ethane, Butylene and Propylene in smaller concentrations. LPG is produced as a by-product by processing natural gas or refining crude oil. The LPG sold in cylinders for domestic and commercial purpose in India is governed by standard code of IS 4576.

As per the code, the maximum permissible vapour pressure of LPG cylinder is 16.87 Kg/cm at 65 C. The composition along with the ambient temperature impacts the quality and pressure of LPG. LPG by nature is odourless and to detect the leakage and to avoid accidents, a stenching agent (Ethyl Mercaptan) is added to import a nauseating, pungent odour. This agent is added at a ratio of 20 PPM to enable detection of LPG leak even before it reaches the flammability range.

LPG at atmospheric pressure and room temperature is 1.5 to 2 times heavier than air and the density is approximately half that of water. 1.8% to 9.5% is the range of LPG to air and is the flammability level for the LPG mixture. LPG cylinders are filled only up to 85% of the water capacity of the cylinder to allow the gas to expand when the ambient temperature increases.

Although extremely safe and efficient, there are certain safety tips and precautions when it comes to LPG that every household must adhere to. Incorporating these tips in your daily life can help protect your loved ones and your home from unexpected and untoward incidences.

Purchase your cylinder from authorised LPG centres and trusted sources only to ensure you are getting the genuine product.

Check the date to ensure it is within the tested period and that the seal and safety cap are not tampered with.

In case of stairs or a slope, ensure that the cylinder is carried to the desired place and not dragged or rolled as it can be hazardous.

Get the LPG cylinder fixed vertically on a stable plane and ensure that the area is well-ventilated.

Use only authorised LPG regulators. The size of the pressure regulators issued by the government oil companies differs from that of the private companies and therefore cannot be used for the cylinders supplied by the private players. The regulators should conform to the highest safety standards and comply with the statutory norms and safety guidelines to avoid gas leak.

Do not spray chemicals or other flammable solutions near the open flame.

When the LPG is on, do not leave the stove or utensil unattended.

Avoid keeping paper or plastic products near the flame as they can catch fire.

When not in use, be sure to turn the knobs off.

Keep the area well-ventilated to avoid build-up of any gas.

Don’t use cloths to grip the vessel on the gas as it can catch fire. Instead, use the correct cutlery to remove the pan from the stove.

Strike the match first and then turn the burner knob.

Ensure your gas stove is fitted at a higher level than the cylinder.

Use wider utensils that can take complete advantage of the flame and use less gas for cooking.

Clean burners regularly to avoid trappings of dirt that may reduce the effectiveness of the flame.

Avoid constant reheating of the food to avoid wastage of gas.

Use pressure cookers instead of open utensils as they save time and gas usage.

Never tamper with the pipe, valve or any connector. In case of any concern, contact your nearest LPG centre for a solution.

Turn off the knobs and replace the safety cap before going on vacation to avoid gas pile-up in your home.

Check the pipe for any tears regularly. Also ensure no parts are rusted or spoilt. In case you have any doubts be sure to consult a technician.

Do not use the gas cylinder in case you suspect a leak. Open the kitchen windows, off the regulator and contact the LPG authorised centre to schedule a visit.

Do not light a match in case you suspect a leak or if you accidentally left your stove on.

Opt for regular service to check that all seals, pipes and safety valves are in place and working correctly.

Avoid curtains, blinds or any other such obstructions near the stove or cylinder which can catch fire.

Make sure that the kitchen and the cylinder are well-ventilated at all times.

Don’t keep any other gadget or equipment near the gas. Most gadgets release constant heat that can be hazardous if kept near the flame.

Retain the safety cap with the nylon thread attached to it and replace the cap when the cylinder is not in use.

Don’t use mobile phones in the kitchen.

Cooking with LPG has become extremely convenient for all homes. However, negligent behaviour can cause massive accidents and put your home at risk. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines suggested by your dealer. In addition, opt for periodic maintenance reviews to ensure all parts are in order and working fine.